Hillel Builds a House [Paperback]

Shoshana Lepon (Author), Marilyn Barr (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-K-Hillel loves to build houses. However, he can't light Hanukkah candles in his cardboard-box house because they might start a fire, and his Purim house costume is ruined by the rain. This pattern continues throughout the year-each of his homemade dwellings is inappropriate for each Jewish holiday for a different reason. At last Sukkot arrives. He is overjoyed, because an essential part of its celebration is to build a sukkah, or small outdoor house. Hillel is an appealing preschooler who is determined to accomplish his goal. His family is an observant one-the full-color, average-quality illustrations show the boy and his dad with their heads covered. This book does not explain the Jewish holidays; rather, it is a warm slice of life for those already familiar with these observances.
Micki S. Nevett, Westmere Elementary School, Albany, NY
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Hillel loves to build houses -- tree houses, pillow forts, and closet hideaways. But he can't seem to find the right time to celebrate in one of his houses until fall comes, bringing the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. Hillel Builds A House is a full color picturebook trip through the Jewish year. As fanciful and joyful as it is a delight. Ideal for ages 3-7. -- Midwest Book Review

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Kar-Ben Publishing (February 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0929371429
• ISBN-13: 978-0929371429
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8.5 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,144,450 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice Look At Most of the Jewish Holidays, September 13, 2004

By 

Joshua Koppel (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hillel Builds a House (Paperback)

Hillel is a boy who loves to build houses. It does not matter if it is a treehouse, a tent, a house costume or even just a picture, Hillel is determined to build a house that he can use during the Jewish holidays.

The story starts with Chanukah but Hillel is not allowed to light his menorah in a cardboard house because of the risk of fire. And so it goes. Each holiday there is some reason he can not use his house. But at the end of the book, the holiday of Sukhot, a holiday just perfect for building houses.

The book touches on most of the Jewish holidays but some are skipped over during the story. But still, it is a nice look at many holidays and not just a book for Sukhot (although it is especially appropriate).

My only problem was with the artwork. I did not like the drawings of the father (neither did my wife). Otherwise check this one out.